Moscow pitch is a worry for England

Celtic defender John Kennedy has claimed there is "absolutely no way" England should have to play Russia on the artificial surface at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.

England's crucial away Euro 2008 qualifier against the Russians in October will be played on a synthetic pitch recently installed to prevent winter freezing.

Celtic drew 1-1 there in a Champions League qualifier with Spartak Moscow on Wednesday and Kennedy says most players were unhappy.

"There is absolutely no way they should be playing international football on that pitch," he said. "It is a very difficult surface to play on and can make you look daft at times. Bounces are almost impossible to judge.

"The pitch is nothing like grass. You think the ball is going to bounce truly in front of you, and it spins away, and at other times it takes a dead bounce."

Kennedy also revealed the players were still suffering after the game.

"A lot of the boys came off the field with sore backs and joints," he told the Guardian.

The warning came as Steve McClaren prepared to unveil his squad today for next Wednesday's friendly with Germany.

One person who will not feature is Gary Neville as he is still recovering from ankle surgery.

However, the 32-year-old has no intentions of following Manchester United club-mates Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs into international retirement.

"I always said while I'm playing well for United and the England manager is picking me, I will be available because I'm not in a position to retire," he said.